Caitlin Clark Shines as U.S. Dominates FIBA World Cup Opener

Caitlin Clark made a strong impact with 14 points and 11 assists in her debut for the U.S. women’s basketball team during their opening match of the FIBA World Cup. The team cruised to victory over China, winning 94-61 in Berlin without star player A’ja Wilson. This tournament is considered the most significant international competition until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The U.S. faced China in a rematch from the 2022 World Cup championship game, which they had won 83-61. This victory marks their 67th consecutive win in Olympic and World Cup play, continuing from a 2006 semifinals game against Russia. Additionally, they have now achieved 31 consecutive wins in World Cup play.

Kara Lawson, the new head coach succeeding Cheryl Reeve, maintained the team’s tradition of relying on experienced players. Her starting lineup included 2024 Olympic gold medalists Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart. The next generation—Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese—was strategically brought off the bench.

“Being surrounded by five people that have won a gold medal before at the highest level, you just try to follow their lead and take every bit of wisdom that they can give you,” Clark remarked.

Clark’s performance was remarkable, with her 11 assists being the most for an American woman in a FIBA World Cup game since Dawn Staley’s 12 in 1998. It marked the first double-double in points and assists by a U.S. woman in a global championship since Teresa Edwards achieved it during the 1996 Olympic group phase against Australia.

Clark shared the game-high of 14 points along with Bueckers and Rhyne Howard. Clark played for 25 minutes without turnovers, while Bueckers had 20 minutes, leading in playing time and contributing significantly in the second half.

“Anybody I pass the ball to, it feels like they’re never going to miss a shot,” Clark stated. “That’s one of my goals when I come into the game, facilitate, play fast, set up my teammates, get into the paint, get some penetration.”

Coach Lawson praised Clark’s contributions, noting how she changed the game’s tempo through playmaking. With Wilson absent due to health reasons, all 12 players recorded scores and received at least 10 minutes on the court. Kelsey Plum, another key player, is also out due to a reported lower leg injury.

“Both of them, obviously, been great players for us. I’ll miss being around them, but ultimately, we’ve kind of moved on,” Lawson commented. “We’ve got to focus and prepare for this tournament with the 12 players that are here.”

Looking ahead, the U.S. team will face Italy on Sunday and conclude group play against Czechia. They are expected to face tougher challenges in the knockout rounds, starting with quarterfinals next Thursday. France, featuring eight WNBA players, presents a potential test for the U.S. as they progress through the tournament.